'Four new Thames crossings needed to boost economy'

Four new river crossings should be built across the Thames in east London and Kent to spur a “wave of regeneration”, according to a new report.

New bridges and tunnels between the Thames Barrier and Dartford, Kent, would boost the economy in the south-east by £1bn a year and cut journeys across the river by up to 40 minutes.

The report, called Linking London, published by Centre for London, also claims that additional crossings could also help to create up to 60,000 jobs and 45,000 homes.

Sam Sims, co-author of the report, said: “The underlying rationale behind this work is that east and outer east London has the potential to accommodate London’s next wave of growth.”

He claimed the crossings are needed as “one big push” to make up for what he claims are inadequate links across the river.

However, environmental campaigners claim the proposed ideas would lead to more congestion and pollution.

Jenny Bates, of Friends of the Earth, told the Financial Times: “With thousands of Londoners dying prematurely every year because of appalling air quality, we should be trying to cut traffic, not increase it.”